~ Settled back in Jersey, heart still in Ireland….

First submission, I did it.

How exciting is that? I just submitted my very first query to a publisher, this in relation to the manuscript of ‘A West Cork Mystery’. I know, I can hear you chuckling from here. I’ve heard all the stories about multiple rejections, about how each rejection ought to make you more determined. I even read somewhere of the writer who proudly decorates his office with rejection slips while he continues to slave over his PC.

I’m going into this process with an open mind – optimism tinged with realism. I know what I’ve written is good and that it is readable and marketable. I’ve done enough reading of my own – including a good slug of book reviews – to know that my writing is starting to compare favourably with others out there. Also I think I’ve improved and learnt a lot since my ‘Barry’ days. If an agent or publisher thinks likewise then happy days. If not, well, too bad – I’ll be no worse off.

Bantry House & Bay (david marhall photography)

There’s no doubt that the blogging community has helped a great deal. I am always happy to seek out advice and this is always freely given. Whereas once I thought I could just write with blinkers on without taking advice on board have gone. So thank you to all out there that share their advice and experience.

So, we’ll see. I’ve got the choice of Irish, UK and even North American agents and publishers. I’m sure that there’s a market for well-written Irish stories outside the shores of that country – you’ll find Irish emigrants and their descendants in every corner of the world.

And if it all comes to nought then I’ll bang it up on Amazon myself and plough on regardless.

I’m sitting here with everything crossed for you, Roy – which makes typing a bit tricky! But yes, it’s worth trying, and at least, as you say, we modern authors now have alternative ways to publish. Big congratulations – do keep us posted!

Roy,- congratulations. on on finishing the MS as a fully resolved work and for polishing and fine tuning it to your own exacting satisfaction. Maybe that’s the hardest part perhaps – because lets’ face it, we all agonize and can be loath to let go.
I also think your whole philosophy about the entire work and endeavor is bang on, rightly confident about the quality, cautiously optimistic, yet rightly serene about the roulette wheel & vicissitudes of publication. I’d love to see this in print.
Obviously a bit of professional discretion will be required over the next few months or so, but, in time, let us know how it all plays out, and if and when we can read you. Personally, I’m looking forward to it.
Congratulations Roy, and very best wishes.
-Arran.

Thank you Arran – in a nutshell. Happily I’m not one of those whose ambition is to be a published author. For them it is a long and often unrewarding and dispiriting journey. I’m able to take a more detached view but nonetheless I’d be delighted if someone out there thought it worthy of consideration.

This is so exciting! Keep us posted. I can’t wait to hear of your undoubted success. 🙂

I, on the other hand, just got a rejection letter today. I’ve had enough to wallpaper an entire house over the years, so it doesn’t even faze me anymore. Luckily the successes elicit more emotion from me. As they should.